Calling behaviour and evaluation of sex pheromone glands extract of Neoleucinodes elegantalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in wind tunnel

Abstract

Adult emergence and mating behavior of Neoleucinodes elegantalis Guenée were studied under laboratory conditions (23 ± 1°C, 12 h photophase and 70% RH). Adult emergence occurred only at scotophase period. Female began to emerge from the 1st hour to 8th hour with a peak occurring at 4th hour of scotophase. Male showed similar trend, but emerging from 2nd to 11th with a peak also at 4th hour of scotophase. Mating was preceded by wing vibration in the male prior to and during walking approach. Mating occurred only during the scotophase period between the 4th and 10th hour of scotophase, with the peak occurring at the 7th hour. Newly emerged N. elegantalis couples rarely mated (2.8%) whereas 48 and 96 h old couples mated 26.3% and 27.5% respectively. Glands extracts from abdominal tips of 48-72 h virgin female moths evaluated in a wind tunnel were more attractive than virgin females.